Laundry machine

ABSTRACT

A laundry machine includes end frames rotatably supporting an outer casing and an inner cylinder. A coupling assembly interlocks the casing with the frame during laundry operations while the cylinder rotates, and interlocks the casing and the cylinder for simultaneous rotation, with the casing and cylinder doors aligned, for bottom unloading and top loading operations. A positioning assembly locates the cylinder, or the interlocked cylinder and casing, in a precise angular position relative to the frame so that the coupling assembly may operate. Electrical and pneumatic controls carry out laundry, unloading and loading, positioning, and coupling operations in a safe and reliable sequence.

Unite States Fatent [191' Toth [ LAUNDRY MACHINE Alex Toth, Lincolnwood,Ill.

[73] Assignee: Ellis Corporation, Chicago, 111.

[22] Filed: Feb. 1, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 328,702

[75] i Inventor:

Primary. ExaminerHarvey C. Hornsby Assistant ExaminerPhilip R. Coe

Altomey, Agent, or FirmMason, Kolehmainen, Rath I burn & Wyss [57]ABSACT A laundry machine includes end frames rotatably supporting anouter casing and an inner cylinder. A coupling assembly interlocks thecasing with the frame during laundry operations while the cylinderrotates, and interlocks the casing and the cylinder for simultaneousrotation, with the casing and cylinder doors aligned, for bottomunloading and top loading operations. A positioning assembly locatesthecylinder, or the interlocked cylinder and casing, in a preciseangular position relative to the frame so that the coupling assembly mayoperate. Electrical and pneumatic controls carry out laundry, unloadingand loading, positioning, and coupling operations in a safe and reliablesequence.

32 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUN 4 I974 SHEU 2 (If 8PATENTEDJun 4 1914 3313.83

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PATENFEUJUH 41914 M13303 SHEEF 7 0F PRESSURE SOURCE LAUNDRY MACHENIE Thepresent invention relates to laundry machines and more particularly toimprovements in positioning and coupling structures and controls forrotary commercial washing machines.

Commercial laundry machines including an inner cylinder and an outercasing mounted between end frames are known. One approach to theunloading of such machines'has been to pivot the casing and cylindersaway from the end frames to a position wherein the casing doors,normally located near the top of the casing, are directed downwardly. Inorder to avoid the necessity of lifting or pivoting the bulky andmassive casing and cylinder. it has been proposed to rotate the casingabout its fixed central axis between loading and unloading positions. Anexample of a laundry machine of this type may be found in my U.S. Pat.No. 3,6l3,406 issued on Oct. 19, I971.

, During laundry operations of this type of machine, the casing is fixedto the frame while the cylinder and the laundry load contained thereinare rotated. During loading and unloading operations, the casing isfreed from the frame and fixed to the cylinder with the casing andcylinder doors aligned. When the casing is coupled to the frame, precisepositioning of the cylinder is necessary before the uncoupling operationis carried out. Similarly. when the casing is coupled to the cylinder,the cylinder and easing must be precisely positioned relative to theframe before coupling. The secure coupling and precise positioning ofthe relatively bulky and massive components of a laundry machine presentserious difficulties.

A movable casing door and various releasable connections for steam,washing fluids and electrical power may be mounted on the frame forengagement with the casing during laundry operations, and such devicesmust be retracted prior to rotation of the casing. In use of the laundrymachine, these devices as well as the coupling and positioningassemblies, and the drive motors and brakes, must be controlled inpredetermined sequences. Many problems arise in the safe and automaticcontrol of the laundry, unloading, loading, positioning and couplingoperations.

Among the important objects of the present invention are to provide animproved laundry machine of the type including concentrically rotatablecasing and cylinder structures; to provide an improved couplingarrangement for coupling the casing alternatively to the frame and tothe cylinder; to provide an improved positioning arrangement forprecisely locating the cylinder, or the coupled cylinder and casing, inan exact angular position relative to the frame; and to provideimprovements in the safe and automatic control of laundry machines.

Briefly, a laundry machine in accordance with the present invention mayinclude a pair of end frames supporting an inner cylinder and an outercasing for rotation around a common central axis. A coupling assembly isprovided to interlock the casing alternatively to the frame or to thecylinder. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a firstcoupling means serves to interlock the casing with the frame or to freethe casing from the frame, while a second coupling means serves tointerlock the cylinder with the casing or to free the cylinder from thecasing. An actuator moves the second coupling means between positions,and the second coupling means engages the first coupling means and movesthe first coupling means between positions. The movement of the firstand second coupling means is such that the casing is never freesimultaneously from both the cylinder and the frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided apositioning assembly for locating the cylinder, or the coupled cylinderand casing, in a predetermined angular position relative to the framewherein the coupling assembly may be operated. An approximatepositioning arrangement first locates the cylinder in a desired region.A precise positioning assembly, operable only when the cylinder has beenapproximately positioned, then engages the cylinder and moves it to thedesired exact position.

Other features of the invention reside in improved control arrangementsfor safely and automatically controlling the positioning and couplingassemblies as well as other mechanisms associated with the machine suchas the casing door, releasable connections to the easing, and the drivemotors and brakes.

The invention together with the above and other objects and advantagesappear more fully with reference to the following detailed descriptionof the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a laundry machine constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine of FIG. 1 taken fromthe left hand side as viewed in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the machine of FIG. 1 taken fromthe right hand side as viewed in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and simplified vertical sectional view of themachine of FIG. 1 illustrating the position of certain components duringa washing operation;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the position ofcomponents following or prior to a washing operation;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating another position;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating an unloading position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line8-8 of FIG. 11 and illustrating the positioning and coupling structuresof the machine of FIG. I;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of, the structure illustrated inFIG. 8 taken along the line 9-9 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged simplified sectional view taken along the line10-10 of FIG. 2 and illustrating a portion of the positioning structureof the machine of FIG. I;

FIG. I1 is a side elevational and sectional view of the structureillustrated in FIG. 10;

- FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line l212 ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a side view, partly in section, taken from the line l3-l3 ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the structure ofFIG. 9 taken from the line 14-14 of FIG. 9;

FIG. E5 is a schematic and diagrammatic illustration of the pneumaticcontrol circuit of the machine of HG. l; and

FIG. T6 is a schematic and diagrammatic illustration of the electricalcontrol circuit of the machine of HG. 1.

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT in the drawings there is illustrated a laundrymachine designated as a whole by the reference numeral 2% andconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.Although the illustrated machine comprises a rotary washer suitable forcommercial, industrial and institutional installations, features of thepresent invention may be applied to many types of laundry machines suchas washer-extractors and others.

With reference initially to F lGS. 1 7, the washer 20 in generalincludes a frame structure designated as a whole by the numeral 22including left and right end frames 24 and 26. Mounted for rotationbetween the end frames 24 and 26 is a generally cylindrical outer casing28 including a cylindrical wall Zilland end walls 32 and 34 forming afluid tight washing enclosure. The casing includes a door opening 36adapted to be closed during washing operations by a door 38 under thecontrol of a door operating structure generally designated as 40.

Also supported for rotation between the end frames 24 and 26 is an innercylinder 42 similar in shape to and received within the casing 2%.Cylinder 42 functions during washing operations to enclose and support alaundry load and includes a cylindrical perforated side wall 44permitting fluids contained within the casing 28 to flow into andthrough the enclosed laundry load. Depending upon the length of thewasher 2d, the cylinder 4-2 may be divided into separate compartments byone or more interior walls 46 (FIG. l) and access to the interior ofeach compartment of the cylinder 42 is provided by one or more slidablymounted cylinder doors 48 (FIGS. 4P7).

In FIGS. 4-7 the positions of the casing 28 and casing door 36 and ofthecylinder 42 and cylinder door 48 are illustrated in somewhatdiagrammatic form at several points during washing and unloading-loadingoperations. In FIG. 4, the washing position is illustrated and it can beseen that the casing door 38 is closed and the cylinder door 48 is alsoclosed. During the laundry operation, the casing 28 is interlocked withthe frame- 22 and is held against rotation. Washing fluids areintroduced within the casing 28, and the cylinder 4-2 is rotated so thata laundry load. held within the cylinder is washed by the fluids.

After the washing operation is completed, the cylinder is positioned asillustrated in FlG. wherein the door of the cylinder 12 is aligned withthe door 38 of the casing 28. At this time the cylinder 42 is coupled tothe casing 28, and simultaneously the casing 28 is uncoupled from theframe 22. As shown in H6. 5, the casing door 38 is moved by the dooroperating structure 40 to a position clear of the door opening 3%. Atthis time the coupled casing 28 and cylinder 42 are rotated to aconvenient position as illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein the operator of thewasher 21) moves the cylinder door 48 to the open position.

In order to unload the laundry load from the machine tated to adownwardly directed position as illustrated in FlG. '7. The laundry loadis discharged downwardly into a suitable load handling apparatus such asone or more laundry carts, a conveyor, or the like.

Once the washed load has been discharged from the washer 20, the machineis ready to receive another laundry load. The coupled casing 28 andcylinder 42 are rotated from the position of FIG. 7 through one hundredeighty degrees of rotation to the position illustrated in FlGS. 4 and 5wherein the door openings of the casing and cylinder are directedupwardly. A laundry load to be washed is then deposited within thecylinder 42, for example by means of a suitable overhead laundrytransporting mechanism such as a sling conveyor, a belt conveyor or thelike. Thereafter, the cylinder 42 and casing 23 may once again berotated to the position of HG. 6 for closing of the cylinder door 48.Prior to beginning a washing cycle, the coupled cylinder and casing areagain rotated to the upwardly directed position (FIG. 4) and the casingdoor 38 is moved to its closed position by means of the door operatingstructure 40. The cylinder 42 is uncoupled from the casing 28 so that itis able to rotate within the casing 28, and simultaneously the casing 28is coupled to or interlocked to the frame 22 so that it remainsstationary throughout the washing operation.

It will be appreciated that the structural components of the washer 20such as the casing 28 and cylinder 42 v are large in size and heavy.Moreover, a laundry load supported within the cylinder 42 may be quiteheavy, particularly when wetted with washing fluids. Nevertheless incarrying out the washing and unloadingloading operations brieflydescribed above, it is necessary accurately, quickly and conveniently torotate and position the cylinder 42 and casing 28 in various positions.Moreover, it is necessary firmly to interconnect the casing 28alternatively with the cylinder 42 and with the frame 22. In accordancewith an important feature of the present invention, there is provided anovel positioning assembly generally designated by the reference numeral54) and described below for positioning the cylinder 42., as well as thecasing 28 when the casing 28 is coupled to the cylinder 42, accurately,positively and conveniently with respect to the frame 22. In accordancewith another important feature of the present invention, there isprovided a coupling assembly generally designated by the referencenumeral 52 and described in detail below for interlocking the easing 28alternatively with the frame 22 and with the cylinder 42. In accordancewith further features of the present invention, a pneumatic controlcircuit generally designated by the reference numeral 54 and anelectrical control circuit generally designated by the 20, the coupledcylinder 42 and casing 28 are then roreference numeral 56 control theoperation of the washer 20 together with the positioning and couplingassemblies 50 and 52 in an automatic, reliable and safe manner in orderto perform washing, unloading and loading functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS side walls 68 and 62. inmany installations of the washer 28, it is desirable to position thewasher spaced above a floor surface to permit positioning of laundryconveying devices such as carts or conveyors beneath the casing 28.Thus, there are provided left hand and right hand base members 64 and 66supporting the end frames 24 and 26 in an elevated position. A platform68, a stairway ,78 and guard rail 72 are provided to permit the operatorconvenient access to the washer 28. In order to rotate the cylinder 42,as well as the casing 28 when-the casing 28 is coupled to the cylinder42, there are provided a pair of drive motors 74 supported onthe outerwall 62 of the frame members 2d and 26. Disposed within the end frames24 and 26 at either end of the washer 28 are cylinder drive gears fixedto cylinder trunnions which extend axially outwardly from the ends ofthe cylinders and into the end frames. Portions of the left handcylinder drive gear are illustrated in FIGS. 8-H, and this drive gear isdesignated by the reference numeral 78. Each motor 74 is drivinglycoupled to the corresponding cylinder drive gear by means of a driveassembly 88 disposed on the corresponding end frame.

The casing door 38 and door operating structure 40 are supported uponthe frame 22 adjacent the topmost portions of the left and right endframe members 24. More specifically, the inner walls 60 of the endframes 24 and 26 support a pair of slide members 84 carrying a carriage86 mounted for sliding movement in a forward and rearward direction. Thedoor 38 is mounted below the carriage for reciprocal movement in avertical direction, and a pneumatic cylinder 88 is coupled between thecarriage and the door for moving the cylinder either down intoengagement with the door opening 36 or up to a position wherein the dooris spaced above the casing 28. if desired, plural cylinders 88 may beused. A second pneumatic cylinder 90 is coupled between the frarne 22and the carriage 86 by means of a suitable drive linkage in order tocontrol the movement of the carriage from a forward position (FIGS. land 4) wherein the door is aligned over the door opening 36 and arearward position (FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7) wherein the door is spaced wellto the rear of the casing 28. A further description of the structure andoperation'of the door 38 and door operating structure l8 beyond thatrequired for a complete understanding of the present invention may befound in my copending application Ser. No. 169,376, filed on Aug. 5,1971, and now US. Pat. No. 3,751,947.

In connection with the operation of the electrical control circuit 56described below, it is desirable to provide electrical indications ofthe positions of the door 38. As illustrated diagrammatically in FlGS.4-7,

there is provided a switch 9l operated when the door 38 is in itslowermost position closing the door opening 36. A second switch 92is-operated when the door supporting carriage 86 is in its forwardposition. Another switch 93 is operated in response to movement of thedoor 38 to its rearward position.

During washing operations when the casing 28 is interlocked with theframe 22, washing fluids are introduc ed to the interior of the casing28. Such washing fluids customarily include a mixture of hot and coldwater together with other materials, such as soap, bluing, bleach, sour,starch and the like. Also, non-aqueous washing fluids might be utilizedin laundry operations of other types. In the illustrated washer 20, thewashing fluids are provided through hot and cold water inlets 94 and anda supply header 9 6 including a series of pneumatically operated valves98 for selectively admitting various additive materials. The hot andcold water and additive materials are mixed together in an inlet fitting1188 supported on the right end frame 26.

A fluid supply conduit 1872 supported by the casing door 38 extends fromthe region of the inlet fitting 100 to a central portion of the door 38for channelling washing fluids into the casing 28 from inlet fitting180. in order selectively to interconnect the inlet fitting 100 and thefluid supply conduit 182, there is provided a releasable connection 184operated by a pneumatic actuatorltld (FIG. l5). When the casing 28 isinterlocked with the frame 22 and it is desired to introduce washingfluids into the casing 28, the actuator 106 is pressurized and aconnection is established for the admission of fl'uids to the fluidsupply conduit 102. When it is desired to free the casing for rotationrelative to the frame, the actuator M6 is depressurized and thereleasable connection is severed. A further description of the structureand operation of the washing fluid supply system of the washer 20including the releasable connection T84, beyond that necessary for anunderstanding of the present invention, may be found in my copendingapplication Ser. No. 169,376, filed on Aug. 5, 1971, and now US. Pat.No. 3,751,947.

in order to remove washing fluids from the interior of casing 28, thereare provided a pair of dump valve assemblies H08 disposed on thecylindrical casing wall 38 generally diametrically opposite the dooropening 36. Each valve assembly T88 may be of the type described indetail in my copending application Ser. No. 169,376, filed on Aug. 5,1971, and now US. Pat. No. 3,751,947. The dump valve assemblies normallyserve to seal the casing 28 against the discharge of fluids, and includea pneumatically operated actuator serving selectively to open the dumpvalve assemblies so that fluid is discharged through the dump valveassemblies into laterally extending discharge conduits ill) supported onthe casing 28. Conduits 110 in the operating position of the casing 28are aligned with and discharge into vertically extending dischargeconduits 112 supported on the left and right hand base members 64 and 66and leading to a suitable fluid receiving device such as a floor drainor the like.

As illustrated in diagrammatic fashion in FIG. 15, the washer 28 isprovided with releasable connections in addition to the washing fluidsupply connection 104 for the purpose of establishing connections withthe casing 28 during washing operations when the casing 28 isinterlocked with the frame 22. Thus, there is provided a fluid levelreleasable connection 114 serving to interconnect conduit 1 l6 supportedon frame 22 with a conduit 118 supported on the casing 28. The conduit118 extends to the interior of casing 28 and conduit 116 extends to alevel indicator device in order to provide an indication and/or carryout control functions in response to the level of fluid Within thecasing 28. Associated with the releasable connection 114 is a pneumaticactuator 128 for interconnecting the conduit 1.16 and the conduit M8 byclosing the connection 114 in response to pressurization of the actuator120.

in carrying out washing operations it may be desirable to introducesteam into the interior of casing 28 for the purpose of increasing thetemperature of washing fluids. For this reason there is provided a steamreleasable connection 122 for, interconnecting a steam supply line 124and a steam conduit 126 carried by and leading into the casing 28. Apneumatic actuator 128 is associated with the connections 122 forinterconnecting the line 124 and the conduit 126 in response topressurization of the actuator 128.

In order releasably to establish electrical connections between theframe portion 22 of the washer and the casing 28, there is provided anelectrical releasable connection 131 associated with a pneumaticactuator 132. In response to pressurization of the actuator 132, theconnection 138 is closed in order to close a group of electricalcontacts associated with the connection 130. A switch 133 provides anindication of the condition of the releasable connection 130, and isoperated when the connection is fully open.

Reference may be had to my copending application Ser. No. l66,720, filedon July 28, 1971, and now US. Pat. No. 3,712,089, for a furtherdescription of the structure and operation of the releasable connections114, 122 and 130 of the washer 20 beyond that required. for anunderstanding of the present invention.

For the purpose of permitting rotation of the cylinder 42 during washingoperations, and of both the casing 28 and cylinder 42 during loading andunloading operations, the cylinder and casing are mounted for rotationwith respect to the frame 22. More specifically, and having referencenow to FIG. 9, the cylinder 42 includes spaced side walls 134, one ofwhich is partially illustrated. Extending radially outwardly from eachside wall 134 is a trunnion shaft 136 to which is secured a cylinderdrive gear, such as the drive gear 78 illustrated in FIG. 9, disposedbetween the inner wall 60 and outer wall 62 of the corresponding endframe 24. Drive gear 78 includes a laterally extending hub portion 138surrounding and keyed to the trunnion shaft 136 for a portion of itslength.

Sandwiched between the cylinder wall 134 and the inner wall 68 of eachend frame is one of the casing end walls 32 or 34, the wall 32 beingillustrated in part in FIG. 9. A central hub member 140 is attached tothe central region of the casing wall by means of fasteners 142. The hubmember 140 surrounds the trunnion shaft 7 136 for a portion of itslength, and a seal assembly 144 is provided for preventing the escape ofwashing fluids from the casing 28. Attached to the hub member 140 bysuitable fasteners or other securing device (not shown) is a sleevemember 146 encircling a portion of the trunnion shaft 136, and alsooverlying an end portion of the drive gear hub portion 138. A bearingassembly 148 disposed between the trunnion shaft 136 and the sleevemember 146 permits relative rotation of the trunnion 136, and thus ofthe cylinder 42 and drive gear 78, relative to the casing 28. A bearingseal assembly 149 is clamped between the hub member 140 and the sleeve146. i

A central support member 150 is attached to the I inner wall 60 of theend frame member by means of fasteners 152. Support member 150 includesan annular sleeve portion 154 encircling the sleeve member 146 attachedto the casing 28. A bearing assembly 156 interposed between the sleeveportion 154 and the sleeve member 146 permits rotation of the casing 28relative to the frame 22.

Although the rotational mounting structure for the right hand end of thewasher 20 is not illustrated in detail in the drawings, this structuremay in general be similar to the structure illustrated in FIG. 9 anddescribed above.

POSITIONING ASSEMBLY An important feature of the present inventionresides in the provision of the positioning assembly for reliably andaccurately positioning the cylinder 42 with respect to the frame 22. Atthe conclusion of a washing operation. it is necessary precisely toalign the cylinder 42 with respect to the casing 28 which, at this time,is interlocked with the frame 22, in order that the door 48 of thecylinder is precisely aligned with the door opening 36 of the casing.Moreover, and as will appear in greater detail hereinafter, precisepositioning is desirable in order to permit operation of the coupling assembly 52 of the washer 20. In addition, prior to commencing a washingoperation it is necessary once again precisely to position the cylinder42 and the casing 28 interlocked with the cylinder 42 so that the casingdoor opening 36 is located in the proper position for closing of thecasing door 38. Here again, precise positioning is also required foroperation of the coupling assembly 52 in order to uncouple the casing 28from the cylinder 42 and to couple the casing 28 with the frame 22.

In general, the positioning assembly 50 of the present inventionincludes both an indicator generally designated as l58and illustrated inFIG. 3 as well as a sensor arrangement generally designated as 160 andillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 1 l for approximately positioning thtcylinder 42 with respect to the frame 22. In addition, the positioningassembly 50 also includes a precise positioning structure generallydesignated as 162 for moving the cylinder 42 to a precise angularposition after it has been moved to an approximate position with the aidof the indicator 158 and/or the sensor 160.

More specifically, and having reference first to the indicator 158, atthe right hand end of the washer 20- 172, and because the plates 164 and168 are clearly visible to an operator of the machine 20, the operatoris able to position the cylinder 142 within the desired approximaterange by operating the motors 74 until the indicia 172 is within therange provided by the indicia 170. 1

As will appear hereinafter, in the operation of the electrical controlcircuit 56 of the washer 20,it is desirable to provide an electricalindication in response to the location of the cylinder 42 in the desiredapproximate range. With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the sensorassembly includes a cam member 174 fixed adjacent the periphery of thedrive gear 78 by means of fasteners '176. Relative to the gear 78, thecam member 174 has an angular length corresponding to the desiredapproximate position of the cylinder 42. A switch 178 is mounted upon abracket 180 attached by fasteners 182 to a portion of the left end frame24, and a switch operating shaft assembly 184 extends between the switch178 and the cam member 174. A cam follower 186 is engaged by the cammember 174 when the cylinder 42 is in the desired approximate positionin order to operate the switch 178 by reciprocal movement of the shaftassembly 184.

In order to withdraw the cam follower 1186 from the region of the cammember 174 during operation of the washer when it is not desired toposition the cylinder 42, there is provided a pneumatic cylinder E88supported upon the bracket 136. When cylinder 188 is pressurized, anoperating pin I96 is moved from its il lustrated retracted position toan extended position wherein it engages and moves a lever 192 pivotallymounted to the bracket l80. Movement of lever 192 results in engagementof the lever with a member 194 coupled to the operating shaft assemblyH654 to the end that the shaft assembly is retracted and the followerI86 is moved clear of the cam member 174.

After the cylinder 42 has been located in the desired approximateposition through operation of the indicator 158 and/or the sensorassembly 160, the precise positioning structure 162 functions preciselyto position the cylinder 42 in the desired position. More specifically,and having reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the precise positioningstructure 162 is located within a generally rectangular coupling housing196 supported upon the outer wall 62 of the left end frame 24. Mountedon opposite side walls of the coupling housing 196 by fasteners I98 area pair of pneumatic positioning cylinders 24M) and 202. Each cylinder isof the double acting type and includes a piston assembly 204 (FIG. 9)slidably mounted within the cylinder and an operating portion 266extending into the coupling housing 196 from the side wall thereof. Eachcylinder 200 and 202 includes a first air inlet for extending theoperating portions 266 toward one another within the housing 196 uponpressurization of the inlets 208, and a second inlet 2H0 for retractingthe operating portions 206 upon pressurization of the inlets 2H0.

A positioning block 212 (FIG. 8) is securely attached to drive gear 78by means of fasteners 214. Block 232 is located on the gear 78 so thatit lies between the positioning cylinders 200 and 202 when the cylinder42 has been approximately positioned through the use of the indicatorE58 and/or the sensor assembly E60. The block 212 extends from theinterior of the left end frame 24 into the coupling housing 196. Thus,when the cylinder has been approximately positioned within the desiredrange, and when the air inlets 268 of the cylinders 206 and 202 arepressurized, the operating portions 206 move toward one another andcapture the block 212. Eac operating portion 266 includes an adjustablenose element 216, and the nose elements are adjusted so that when theoperating portions 206 are each fully extended, the positioning block isprecisely located in the desired position so that the cylinder 42 ispositioned precisely.

In connection with the operation of the electrical control circuit 56,it is desirable to provide an electrical indication of the positions ofthe operating portions 206 of the positioning cylinders 200and 202. Withreference now to FIGS. 8, l2 and 13, it can be seenthat each operatingportion includes a collar 218 supporting a downwardly extending switchoperating member 226. Mounted along the bottom wall of the couplinghousing 196 are a series of four electrical switches 222, 224, 226 and228 engageable by the switch operating members 220. A guide rail 230located opposite the switches 222, 224, 226 and 228 prevents the switchoperating members 226 from rotating away from the switches. When each ofthe operating portions 266 is fully retracted away from the positioningblock 212, the switches 222 and 224 are operated to provide anindication that the drive gear 78 is free to rotate without interferencefrom the positioning cylinders. Alternatively, when both of theoperating portions 206 are fully extended, the switches 226 and 228 areboth operated to provide an indication that the cylinder has beenprecisely positioned in the desired angular position.

COUPLING ASSEMBLY The coupling assembly 52 is provided in accordancewith another important feature of the present invention in orderalternatively to interlock the casing 28 with the cylinder 42 or withthe frame 22. The coupling assembly 52 is reliable in operation andrugged in construction in order to be capable of firmly and positivelycontrolling the rotation of the relatively massive washer casing 28.

More specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 14, the couplingassembly 52 in general includes a first coupling structure generallydesignated by the reference numeral 240 for selectively interlocking thecasing 28 with the frame 22 together with a second coupling structuregenerally designated by the reference numeral 242 for selectivelyinterlocking the casing with the cylinder 42. In addition, there isprovided an actuator generally designated by the reference numeral 244for operating the second coupling structure 242, and in accordance withthe invention there is provided an arrangement for operating the firstcoupling structure in response to operation of the second couplingstructure in such a manner that the casing 28 is never simultaneouslyuncoupled from both the frame 22 and the cylinder 42.

Proceeding now to a description of the first coupling structure 240, acoupling collar 246 (FIG. 9) is attached to the outermost end of thesleeve member 146, and thus is fixed to rotate together with the casing28. Collar 246 includes a pair of diametrically outwardly extendingcoupling arms 248, each of which includes a recess or slot 250 extendingradially inwardly from the ends thereof. Rotatably mounted eccentriccoupling members 252 are mounted upon pins or shafts 254 extendingbetween the side walls of slots'250.

.A pair of coupling brackets 256 are secured to the inner wall of theleft end frame 24 by fasteners 258 at diametrically opposed positionsrelative to the cylinder trunnion shaft 136. Each bracket 256 includes aslot 266, and as can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 14, when the casing is inits operating position as shown in FIG.

' 40f the drawings, the coupling brackets 256 are aligned with the arms248 of the coupling collar 246. In this position the slots 260 of thebrackets 256 interface with the slots 250 of the arms 248.

The coupling members 252 in the illustrated arrangement compriselatching pinions having peripheral gear teeth 262 and additionallyhaving a flat 264. In the position illustrated in FIG. 9, the pinionsare rotated to an angular position wherein the flats 264 are notdirected radially outwardly toward the coupling brackets 256. As aresult, and as best seen in FIG. 14, the peripheral portions of thecoupling members 252 extend into interlocking engagement with the slots260 of the coupling brackets 256. Consequently, the collar 246 is heldin a fixed position and the casing 28 is held against rotation. In orderto prevent inadvertent rotation of the coupling members 252 from thisinterlocked condition, each coupling bracket 256 is provided with aspring biased ball detent 266 (FIG. 14) engageable with a coopcratingrecess in the corresponding coupling member 252.

With reference now to the second coupling structure 242, the drive gear78 is provided with a pair of annular bosses 268 in diametricallyopposed positions. When the casing 28 is disposed in its operatingposition, and when the cylinder 42 has been positioned in the couplingposition by means of the positioning assembly 50, the bosses 268 arealigned with the innermost portions of the slots 25% in the arms 248 ofthe coupling collar 2 26.

Slidably disposed in each of the bosses 268 is a coupling member 270 inthe form of an elongated pin or shaft. in the position illustrated inFIG. 9, the shafts270 are disposed in a retracted position and thecylider 42 is not coupled to the casing 28 but rather is free to rotateindependently.

Each of the coupling members 278 is adapted to be moved to an extendedposition wherein the coupling members 278 enter the slots 258 in thearms 248 of the coupling collar 246. As appears both in FIG. 9 andFIG.14, the leading ends 272 of the coupling members 270 are somewhatrectangular so that they are complementary in shape with the slots 250.When the coupling members are in the extended position, the collar 2416is interlocked with the drive gear 78 and as a result the casing 28 isinterlocked with the cylinder i2.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, move ment of the couplingmembers 270 from the uncoupled position to the coupled position resultsin movement of the coupling members 252 from the coupled position to theuncoupled position. More specifically, the ends 272 of the couplingmembers 270 are provided with gear teeth 274 which cooperate with thegear teeth 262 of the coupling pinions 252. As a result, when thecoupling members 270 move into the slots 250, the teeth 27d engage theteeth 262 of the pinions 252 and cause them to rotate throughsubstantially ninety degrees of rotation. Consequently, the flats 264 ofeach member 252 are positioned generally parallel with the outer edgesof the slots 260 of the coupling brackets 256. in this position thecoupling members 252 do not enter the slots 260 and the collar 246 is nolonger interlocked with the coupling brackets 256. Thus, the casing 28is uncoupled from the frame 22 shortly after it is coupled with thecylinder 42.

lmportantly, at no time during the operation of the coupling assembly 52is the casing 28 uncoupled from both the frame 22 and the cylinder 42.More specifically, it is necessary for the coupling members 270 to enterthe slots 250 prior to the time that the coupling members 252 disengagethe slots 26!). As a result, the

casing 28 cannot inadvertently be rotated indepen- 282 and an outer endwall 284 having an air inlet 286. A piston assembly 288 reciprocateswithin the cylinder 276 in response to pressurization of the air inlets282 and 286 and is coupled to an operating shaft 290 extending outwardlyof the cylinder 276. A coupling drive yoke 292 is carried by shaft 290and includes diametrically opposed arm portions 294 fastened to theoutermost ends of the coupling members 270.

When the air inlet 282 is pressurized, the coupling assembly 52 assumesthe position illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein the coupling members 276 arein their retracted position so that the cylinder 42 is free to rotateindependently of the casing 28 and so that the casing 28 is interlockedwith the frame 22. When the air inlet 286 is pressurized, the pistonassembly 288 moves to its alternate position and as a result thecoupling members 270 are moved to their extended position to interlockthe cylinder 42 with the casing 28 and to release the casing 28 from theframe 22.

In connection with the operation of the electrical control circuit 56,it is desirable to provide an electrical indication of the condition ofthe coupling assembly 52. As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, agenerally circular position indicating plate 296 is attachedto thecoupling drive yoke 292 by means of fasteners 298. A pair of electricalswitches 300 and 302 are mounted on a pair of support brackets 3M and306 carried on a support rod 308 mounted within the coupling housing196. The brackets 304 and 306 are adjustable to positions wherein theswitch 300 is operated when the casing 28 is uncoupled from the cylinder42 and is coupled to the frame 22 and so that the switch 302 is operatedin the alternate position wherein the casing 28 is coupled to thecylinder 42 and uncoupled from the frame 22.

Permanent air connections cannot readily be made from the frame 22 tothe coupling assembly actuator air inlets 282 and 286 because theactuator 244 is mounted in a fixed position relative to the rotatablecylinder 42. For this reason there is provided a releasable airconnection generally designated by the reference numeral 310 and bestillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. One of the annular bosses 268 of the drivegear 78 includes a pair of air inlet passages 332 and 314 (FIG. 9)leading to a pair of pneumatic conduits 316 and 318 (FIG. 8)

permanently connected to the actuator air inlet passages 282 and 286.When the cylinder 42 has been precisely positioned by the positioningassembly 50, the air inlet passages 312 and 3114 are aligned with a pairof air supply passages 3269 and 322 in an air supply block 324 mountedfor reciprocal movement within the coupling housing 1%. A pneumaticcylinder 326 including a pair of air inlets 328 and 330 controls theposition of the air supply block 324by virtue of a piston assembly 332and an operating shaft 334. The air supply pasages 320 and 322 areconnected to airsupply lines adapted to be selectively pressurized foroperating the actuator 244 of the coupling assembly 52. When the airinlet 328 of the cylinder 326 is pressuzized, the air supply block 324is in the position illustrated in FIG.9 wherein the air supply passages320 and 322 are connected respectively with the air inlet passages 312and 314. Alternatively, when the air inlet 330 of the cylinder 326 isenergized, the air supply block 324 moves to its alternate positionwherein no connections are made between the air supply passages 320 and322 and the air inlet-passages3l2 and 314.

In order to provide an electrical indication of the condition of thereleasable air connection 310, a switch 336 is mounted to the couplinghousing I96 adjacent the air supply block 324. A switch operating lever338 is coupled between the air supply block 324 and the switch 336 tothe end that the switch 336 is operated to alternate conditionsdepending upon the position of the air supply block 324.

CONTROLS AND OPERATION Further important aspects of the presentinvention will appear from consideration of the pneumatic controlcircuit 54 and the electrical control circuit 56 illustrated in FIGS.and to of the drawings. The pneumatic control circuit 54 serves tocontrol the application of pressurized air from a suitable pressuresource 340 to the various pressure operated actuators and cylindersdescribed above and illustrated in FIGS. L14. The electrical circuit 56controls the energization of various components from a suitable powersupply 342. The circuits 54 and 56 are highly integrated with oneanother in operation, and these circuits are described together in thefollowing detailed description of the operation of the washer 20.

The pneumatic and electrical control circuits 54 and 56 are depicted inFIGS. 15 and 16 in the condition assumed just prior to the beginning ofa washing cycle of the washer 20. Referring first to the electricalcontrol circuit 56, in general this circuit includes a manually operatedmain control switch 344 operable alternatively to a run or to a loadunload" position. Circuit 56 also includes a door controlling circuitgenerally designated as 346 for controlling the operation of the dooroperating structure 40, a positioning circuit generally designated as348 operable in conjunction with the positioning assembly 50, a couplingcircuit generally designated as 35 for controlling portions of thepositioning assembly 50 and for controlling the coupling assembly 52,and a motor control circuit gen erally designated as 352 for controllingthe operation of the washer drive motors 74.

In the illustrated condition of circuit 56, the main switch 344 is inthe run" position, andas a result the positioning and coupling circuits348 and 35% are inactive, the door controlling circuit 346 operates tohold the casing door 38 in the closed position, and the motor controlcircuit 352 is conditioned for the initiation of a washing operation.

More specifically, the main switch 344 (FIGS. I and 3) is disposed uponthe front panel of a control console In order to prevent operation ofthe drive motors '74 during possibly unsafe conditions, severalinterlock arrangements are provided. The coupling switch 300 includes aset of contacts 301M in series with main switch contacts 344A to openthe circuit to the motor control circuit 352 unless the coupling switch300 is operated by full outward movement of the indicating plate 269(FIG. 9) to the position indicating that the casing 28 is coupled to theframe 22 and that the cylinder 42 is free for independent rotation. Alsoin series with main switch contacts 344A are contacts 91A of the switch91 associated with the door operating structure 40. Contacts MA disablethe motor control circuit 352 unless the door 38 is in its closedposition against the casing 28 (FIGS. 4-7).

Connected in series with main switch contacts 344D is a circuit breakingdevice schematically illustrated as a set of switch contacts 360,- Thesecontacts comprise a circuit path extending through the circuitestablished by the elelctrical releasable connection 136. Since thereleasable connections 104, I14, I22 and 130 all open and closesimultaneously, the contacts 360 serve to prevent operation of the motorcontrol circuit 352 until the water, water level, steam and electricalconnections 354 located on the right end frame 26 of the washer 2 3convenient to the operator of the machine. Switch 344 includes aplurality of contactors all designated by the reference numeral 344 andganged together for simultaneous operation as indicated by a broken linein FIG.

16. In the illustrated "run" condition, main switch contacts 344A, 344D,344G, 3441, 3M, 3440, 344i and 3440 are closed in order to establish acircuit including the motor control circuit 352 for carrying out awashing operation. Conversely, contacts 344B, 344C, 344E, 344F, 344H,3441, 344K, 344i. 344M are maintained in the open circuit condition inorder to disable the positioning and coupling circuits 348 while thewasher 20 is running. A power transformer 356 supplies operatingpotential to the circuit 56 from the power supply 342. Fuses 358 areprovided for overload protection.

have been made to the casing 28.

As can be seen in FIG. l6, switches 222 and 224 are also connectedbetween the main switch contacts 344D and the motor control circuit 352.These switches are closed only when the operating portions 206 of thepositioning cylinders 200 and 202 (FIG. 8) are fully retracted to permitunobstructed rotation of the cylinder 42.

When contacts 300A, 9IA, 360, 222 and 224 are all closed, a washingcycle wherein the cylinder 42 is rotated may safely be carried out. Atthis time, a circuit including closed mainswitch contacts 3440 energizesa main air supply solenoid 362 in order to condition the pneumaticcontrol circuit 54 for a washing operation. With reference now to FIG.15, it can be seen that the main air supply solenoid 362 controls theposition of a main air supply four-way valve 364 connected to thepressure source 340. In the illustrated energized condition of solenoid362, valve 364 is operated and supplies pressurized air to the cylinder188 (FIG. II) to maintain the cam follower I86 in its retractedposition, and to each of the actuators I06, I20, 128 and 132 of thereleasable connections lllti, 114, I22 and E30. At this point it shouldbe noted that a manually operated bypass switch 366 (FIGS. I and lie) isprovided for permitting energization of solenoid 362 for a brief periodof time prior to the closure of the electrical connection I30 and of thecontacts 360.

During the time that the washer 20 is conditioned for a washingoperation, the door 38 is positively held closed. Main air supply valve364 in its operated position provides a path for exhausting the doorraising inlet of the cylinder 88 associated with the door operatingstructure 40 topermit the door 38 to remain closed. In FIG. 16 it can beseen that a door lowering solenoid 367 is energized when the main switch344 is in the run" position, when switch 92 is closed due to the doorcarriage 86 being in the forward position (FIGS. 4-7), and when contacts300A are closed. This solenoid 367 operates a door lowering three-wayvalve 368 (FIG. I15) connected between the pressure source 340 and thedoor lowering inlet of the cylinder 88. In the illustrated operatingposition, valve 368 pressurizes cylinder 88 tightly to clamp the door 38in its down position. Similarly, a door forward solenoid 369 isenergized to move a door forward valve 37%) to its operated positionwherein cylinder 98 is pressurized and carriage 86 is held in itsforward position.

in order to maintain the releasable connection 310 of the couplingassembly 52 (FIG. 9) in retracted position free of the cylinder 42, afour-way coupling air supply control valve 372 is provided. In theillustrated nonoperated position, valve 372 pressurizes the inlet 338and vents the inlet 328 of the air supply cylinder 326. Similarly,positioning cylinders 288 and 282 are maintained in the retractedposition by means of a four-way positioning control valve 374. In theillustrated nonoperated position of valve 374, the valve pressurizes theinlets 210 and vents the inlets 288 of the positioning cylinders 280 and202.

With reference once more to FIG. 16, in order to begin a washing cycleafter the washer is conditioned for run operation, a start switch 376 isoper ated momentarily. Switch 376 may be a manually operated switch oralternatively may comprise a switch opmated-automatically by a programcontrolling device such as the device disclosed in my US. Pat. No.3,602,096, issued on August 31, 1971. When switch 376 is operated,contacts 376A are opened and contacts 3768 are closed to complete a pathincluding main switch contacts 344] for the energization of the windingof a brake release relay 378. A normally open set of relay contacts 378Aclose to complete a holding circuit including main switch contacts 344]for maintaining winding 378 energized after momentary operation of thestart switch 376.

Conversely, at the end of the washing cycle or at any other time when itis desired to halt the washer 20, a stop switch 380 is momentarilyoperated eithermanually or automatically. When switch 380 is operated,the holding circuit for relay winding 378 is interrupted and the relay378 is dcenergized until such time as the start switch 376 is againoperated.

Energization of relay 378 also results in closing of a normally open setof contacts 378B, whereupon a brake release solenoid 382 is energized bya circuit including closed relay contacts 378A and main switch contacts3446. As illustrated in FIG. 15, motors 74 are provided with springloaded brakes 384 normally h'olding the motors 74 and thus the cylinder42 stationary. When energized, solenoid 382 operates a brake releasevalve 386. In its illustrated nonoperated position, valve 386 vents apair of brake release pneumatic cylinders 388. When moved to itsalternate operated position by energization of solenoid 382, valve 386pressurizes cylinders 388 and the brakes 384 are withdrawn to permitoperation of the motors 74-.

When the start switch 376 returns to its initial illustrated position, acircuit is established through contacts 376A, 380A and 378A for theenergization of the motor control circuit 352. The circuit 352 includesa pair of motor control relay windings 398 and 392 controlling contacts(not shown) for operating the motors 74 in opposite directions. Windings3961i and 392 are connected in series with main switch contacts 344M and3440 respectively. In order periodically to reverse the direction ofrotation of cylinder 42 during the washing operation, a pair of switches394 and 396 are alternately closed by a cam 398 rotated by a timingmotor 400 connected in series with main switch contacts 344i Therotation of the cylinder 42 alternately in opposite directions continuesuntil the stop switch 380 is momentarily operated to deenergize relay378, whereupon the motor control circuit 352 is deenergized and thebrakes 384are reapplied.

At the conclusion of a washing operation, the operator may condition themachine 20 for unloading the washed load and for receiving a new laundryload by operating the main switch 344 from the illustrated run positionto the alternate load unload" position. As a result, switch contacts344A and 344D are opened to disconnect the circuit for operation of themotor control circuit 352 and to initiate an automatic operation duringwhich the casing door 38 is opened and the casing 28 is otherwise freedfor rotation.

More specifically, when contacts 344A and 3448 are opened, the circuitfor energization of the main air supply solenoid362 is interrupted andthe main air supply valve 364 moves from its illustrated operatedposition to its alternate nonoperated position. In this position thecylinder 188 is'vented to extend the cam follower 186, and the actuatorsI06, 120, 128 and 132 are vented so that the releasable connections 104,114, 122 and 3.30 are opened. When the releasable electrical connectionI30 is fully opened, switch 133 (FIGS. 15 and 16) is operated to preparea circuit for energization of the positioning circuit 348.

Opening of main switch contacts 344A and 344D also breaks the circuitfor energization of the door lowering solenoid 367 and as a result thedoor lowering valve 368 moves to its nonoperated position to vent thedoor lowering inlet of the cylinder 88. Similarly, the door forwardsolenoid 369 is deenergized so that the door forward valve 370 moves toits nonoperated position to vent the door forward inlet of the cylinder90.

When the main air supply valve 364 moves to its nonoperated position,the door raising inlet of the cylinder 88 is pressurized and the door 38moves upwardly to its raised position. At this time the switch 91 (FIGS.4-7 and 16) is operated to .its alternate condition and switch contacts91B close to complete a circuit including main switch contacts 3448 and344C for energizing a door retracting solenoid 402. As a result a doorretracting valve 404 is moved to its operated position and the doorretracting inlet of cylinder is pressurized to move the carriage 86 andthe door 38 toward the rear of the washer 20.

At the conclusion of the rearward movement of the carriage 86, theelectrical circuit 56 is placed in condition for operation of thepositioning and coupling'circuits 350. More specifically, when the dooris fully withdrawn, contacts 93A of the switch 93 (FIGS. 4-7 and 16) areclosed to complete a circuitincluding main switch contacts 344F and 344Has well as switch 133 permitting the operation of the positioningcircuit 348.

Itwill be appreciated that when the cylinder 42 is halted at a randomposition following a washing operation, positioning of the cylinder 42relative to the stationary casing 28 is necessary prior to operation ofthe coupling circuit 350. In order to operate the positioning assembly50 of the washer, the positioning circuit is provided with a pair ofpush-pull manually operated, three position switches 406 and 408including normally open switch contacts 406A, 4068, 408A and 4088.Switches 406 and 408 are conveniently mounted on the console 354 (FlG.1). For safety purposes each switch 406 and 408 is spring biased to itsillustrated position wherein all switch contacts are open and whereinthe positioning circuit 348 and coupling circuit 350 do not operate. Theswitches may be manipulated by either pushing or pulling to close eitherone or the other of the two contacts controlled by each switch. If theoperator releases either switch 406 or 408 at any time, the switchreturns due to the spring bias to its intermediate nonoperated position.Consequently, the operator cannot leave either switch in an operatedcondition when he is not positioned at the console'354.

Each switch 406 and 408 is provided with an indica tor lamp 410 and 412respectively. Preferably the lamps are mounted in the switch operatingbuttons (FIG. 1) to indicate to the operator that the circuitrycontrolled by the particular switch is prepared for use. Thus, whenswitch 93 is operated and the positioning circuit 348 is conditioned foroperation, the indicator 410 is energized.

To begin the positioning operation, switch 406 is operated to closecontacts 4068. As a result a circuit is completed through main switchcontacts 3441 for the energization of the run rely 378 and contacts 378Bclose to energize the brake release solenoid 382. Valve 386 (FIG. isoperated and the brakes 384 are released to free the motor 74 foroperation. Since the main switch 344 is not in the run position, relaycontacts 378A have no function during the positioning operation. Closingof switch contacts 4068 also extends a circuit to the contacts 408A and40813 of the switch 408 and to the indicator 412.

At this time the operator can either pull or push switch 408alternatively to energize motor relay 392 through main switch contacts344N or to energize motor relay 390 through main switch contacts 3441,.Thus by manipulating switch 408, the operator can inch" orintermittently move the casing in either direction until the casing islocated in the proper desired approximate range displayed by indicator158 (FIG. 3). As soon as the cylinder 42 reaches the desired approximateposition, cam operated switch 178 (FIGS. 10 and 11) is operated by cam174 and cam follower 186., and switch contacts 178A open while switchcontacts 1788 close. Opening of contacts 178A breaks the circuit to thatthe casing 28 is in the run" condition,i.e., coupled to the frame 22 andnot to the cylinder 42.

In order to initiate operation of the coupling circuit 350, the operatorcloses a switch 418 also mounted on the console 35 4. Closing of switch418 completes a circuit for energizing a relay winding 420 through acircuit including contacts 302A of coupling switch 302 and includingnormally closed relay contacts 422A and 4228 of a rely winding 422 whichis not energized at this time. Relay contacts 420A close to establish aholding circuit for relay 420 so that the relay 420 remains ener gizedafter the switch 418 is released. Normally open sets of relay contacts4208 and 420C close to energize a positioning solenoid 424 controllingthe positioning control valve 374 (FIG. 15).

When valve 374 moves to its operated position the inlets 208 of thepositioning cylinder 200 and 202 are pressurized, while the inlets 210are vented. Operating portions 206 move together and capture thepositioning block 212 therebetween. A pressure sensing device 426controlling a pressure responsive switch 428 (FIGS. 15 and 16) is incommunication with the inlets 208, and when the block 212 is engaged byone of the operating portions 206, a pressure increase is sensed bydevice 426 and switch 428 is operated. As can be seen in FlG. 16, switch428 completes a circuit for energization of a brake vent solenoid 430,and solenoid 430 moves a brake vent valve 431 to its operated position.

The inlet brake vent valve 431 is communicated with the positioningvalve 374 and thus is pressurized in common with air inlets 208 of thepositioning cylinders 200 and 202. When valve 431- is operated, pressureis applied through the normal vent passage of the brake release valve386 to pressurize the cylinders 388 and release the brakes 384. As thebrakes are released with increasing pressure, the operating portions 206of the positioning cylinders 200 and 202 are permitted to move the block212 and thus the cylinder 42 to the exact position required foroperation of the coupling assembly 52. g When operating portions 206 ofthe positioning cylinders 200 and 202 are fully extended, thepositioning the switch 408 established by switch contacts 4068 so thatthe cylinder 42 halts regardless of the position of switch 408. Openingof contacts 178A also deenergizes relay winding 378 so that contacts3788 open and the brake release solenoid 382 and the brake release valve386 function to reapply the brakes 384 to the motors 74. Closing ofcontacts 178B extends a circuit through previously closed switchcontacts 938 to the coupling circuit 350. An indicator 414 disposed onthe console I 354 is energized at this time to indicate to the operatorthat the coupling circuit 350 may now be used.

The coupling circuit 350 operates automatically to carry out a precisepositioning operation through control of the precise positioningstructure 162 followed by a coupling operation through control of thecoupling assembly 52. In the illustrated condition, the cylinder 42 isuncoupled from the casing 28 and the casing 28 is coupled to the frame22. As a result, a pair of switch contacts 30013 of the coupling switch300 are closed to energize an indicator 416 disposed on console 354.This indicator apprises the operator of the machine switches 226 and 228are operated by switch operating member 220 (FIGS. 8, 12 and13) from thenormally opened condition to the closed condition. As a result a circuitpath is completed for energization of a time delay relay winding 432having a set of normally open relay contacts 432A. During a brief timedelay period prior to closing of contacts 432A, the load contained inthe cylinder 42 is permitted to settle to a staticposition so that thecylinder 42 becomes stable in its precisely determined couplingposition.

Closing of contacts 432A completes a circuit for energization of acoupling air supply solenoid 434 controlling the coupling air supplycontrol valve 372. Valve 372 is moved to its operated position to ventthe air inlet 330 of the air supply cylinder 326 and to pressurize theinlet 328. Consequently, the cylinder 326 operates to move the airsupply block 324 into engagement with the air inlets 312 and 314 leadingto the coupling cylinder 276. When this connection is completed, switch336 is operated by lever 338 from its normal open circuit condition to aclosed circuit condition in order to extend a circuit connection to apair of coupling solenoids 436 and 438 in series respectively withnormally open relay contacts 420D and 422C of the relays 420 and 422.Since at this time the relay 422 is deenergized while the relay 420 isenergized, only the solenoid 436 is energized.

As shown in FlG. l5, solenoids 436 and 438 respectively control a pairof coupling control valves 440 and 442. When valve 440 moves to itsoperated position due to energization of solenoid 436, the inlet 282 ofthe coupling cylinder 276 is pressurized through passages 322, 3114 and316. Consequently, the cylinder 42 is coupled to the casing 28 bycoupling members 270, and the coupling members 252 are moved to free thecasing 28 from the frame 22. In response to this movement, the positionindicating plate 296 (FIG. 9) first releases coupling switch 300 andthen operates coupling switch 302.

Release of switch 300 opens contacts 300A connected in series with mainswitch contact 344A, to prevent run" operation of the washer 20 whilethe casing 28 is uncoupled from the frame 22. Contacts 3003 open todeenergize the indicator lamp 414. Contacts 300C close, but have noeffect at this time because normally closed relay contacts 420E and 420Fare open during energization of relay 420.

Upon completion of movement of the coupling cylinder 276, switch 302 isoperated to open contacts 302A and to close contacts 3028. Opening ofcontacts 302A breaks the circuit for energization of relay 320 so thatits contacts return to the normal condition and sole noids 430, 424, 434and 436 are deenergized. When solenoid 430 is deenergized, brake ventvalve 43! returns to its illustrated position (FIG. to vent brakecylinders 388 through valve 386, and the brakes 384 are reapplied tomotor 74. Deenergization of solenoid 424 causes the positioning controlvalve 374 to return to its illustrated position and the operatingportions 206 of positioning cylinders 200 and 202 are retracted.Deenergization of solenoid 434 results in retracting of the air supplyblock 324 by operation of coupling air supply cylinder 326.Deencrgization of solenoid 436 results in depressurization of thepassages leading to the coupling cylinder 276. The coupling assembly 52due either to friction or to suitable detent means if desired remains inits existing condition with casing 28 freed from frame 22 and coupled tocylinder 42. Closure of contacts 302B completes a circuit forenergization of an indicator lamp 444 located on the console 354 toinform the operator that unloading and loading operations may now becarried out.

Unloading of the washer is accomplished by simultaneously rotating thecoupled cylinder 42 and casing 28 through the use of the positioningcircuit 348. More specifically, in order to rotate the casing 42 awayfrom its coupling position wherein cam operated switch I78 is in itsoperated position, the manual switch 406 is actuated to close contacts406A to provide a circuit connection through main switch contacts 344land 344K to the switch 408. Since contacts 406A bypass the contactsofthe cam operated switch 178 and since the contacts 406B are openedwhen contacts 406A are closed, the coupling circuit 350 cannot beenergized during loading and unloading regardless of the position of thecylinder 42.

Because closing of contacts 406A energizes relay 378 to release thebrake 384, the coupled cylinder and casing can be rotated throughoperation of switch 408 from the position shown in FIG. 5 to theposition shown in FIG. 6 wherein the cylinder door 48 may be opened.

The cylinder 42 and casing 28 are then rotated switch 408 to theunloading position of HO. 7 and then to the loading position of FIG. 5wherein the washed laundry load is discharged and a new load isdeposited into the machine. The cylinder and easing are then moved onceagain to the FIG. 6 position and the cylinder door 48 is closed.

Prior to beginning a new washing cycle it is necessary to uncouple thecasing 28 from the cylinder 42 and to couple the casing 28 to the frame22. Switch 406 is operated to its alternate position opening contacts406A and closing contacts 406B to place cam operated switch 178 in thecircuit. When the approximate de sired position is reached through useof the switch 408, the positioning circuit 350 is again activated andindicators 414 and 444 are again energized.

In order to operate the coupling circuit 350 to uncouplc the casing 28from the cylinder 42 and to couple it to frame 22, a manual switch 446located on console 354 is closed to complete a circuit through closedcontacts 300C for energization of the relay 422. Contacts 422A and 422Bopen to isolate the relay 420, while contacts 422C close to prepare acircuit for energization of coupling solenoid 438. Additional normallyopen contacts 422D, 422E and 422F close to establish a holding circuitfor the relay 422 and to energize the positioning solenoid 424. In themanner described above, the positioning cylinders 200 and 202 arepressurized, the switch 428 and-solenoid 430 are operated, the brakes384 are released, and the coupled cylinder 42 and casing 28 areprecisely positioned in the coupling position.

When the positioning switches 226 and 228 close, time delay relay 432 isenergized, and thereafter the air supply solenoid is energized tocomplete the air connection to the coupling cylinder 276. When switch336 is operated, solenoid 438 is energized and coupling valve 442operates to pressurize coupling cylinder 276 so that coupling members252 interconnect the casing 28 and the frame 22, while coupling members270 retract to free the cylinder 42 for rotation independent of thecasing 28. At the conclusion of the coupling opera tion, when switches300 and 302 return to-their illustrated positions, relay 422 andsolenoids 424, 430, 434 and 438 are deenergized to reapply the brakes384, withdraw the operating portions 206 of the positioning cylinders200 and 202, depressurize the coupling cylinder 276, and to retract theair supply block 324. In order to begin another washing cycle, the mainswitch 344 may be returned to the illustrated run" position, whereuponboth the pneumatic control circuit 54 and the electrical control circuit56 are returned to their initial, illustrated condition described above.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with thedetails of the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that suchdetails are not intended to limit the invention which is defined in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:

I. A laundry machine comprising a frame, an inner cylinder and an outercasing supported for rotation on said frame, a first coupling meansmounted on said casing and movable between a first position engagingsaid frame to hold said casing stationary and a second position whereinsaid first coupling means is spaced from said frame to permit rotationof said casing, a second coupling means mounted on said cylinder andmovable between a first position wherein said second coupling means isspaced from said casing to permit rotation of said cylinder independentof said casing and a second position wherein said second coupling meansengages said casing for simultaneous rotation of said casing andcylinder, and means coupled between said first and secnd coupling meansconstraining said first and second coupling means for simultaneousmovement between their respective first and second positions.

2. The laundry machine of claim 1 wherein said second coupling meansengages said casing before said first coupling means disengages saidframe during said simultaneousmovement from said first positions to saidsecond positions.

3. The laundry machine of claim ll, said first coupling means comprisingan eccentric latch member mounted for rotational movement, means on saidframe defining a slot for receiving a radially extensive segment of saidlatch member upon rotation of said latch member to said first position,said second coupling means comprising an axially movable pin, and meanson said casing defining a recess for receiving said pin upon movement ofsaid pin to said second position.

4. The laundry machine of claim 3, said latch member being disposed atleast in part within said recess in the path of movement of said pin.

5. The laundry machine of claime 4, said latch member including piniongear teeth and said pin including rack gear teeth engaging said piniongear teeth upon movement of said pin into said recess.

6. The laundry machine of claim 5, detent means on said casingengageable with said latch member for holding said latch member in saidfirst position following movement of said pin to its first position.

7. The laundry machine of claim 6 further comprising an air cylindermounted on said casing for moving said pin between its first and secondpositions.

8. The laundry machine ofclaim 7 further comprising sensing meansassociated with said air cylinder for providing an indication of thepositions of said first and second coupling means.

9. A laundry machine comprising an inner cylinder, an outer casingsurrounding said inner cylinder, a pair of end frames supporting bothsaid cylinder and said casing for rotation about a common axis, a drivemotor coupled to said cylinder for rotating said cylinder, and acoupling assembly for controlling the rotation of said casing, saidcoupling assembly including a first member fixed to one end frame. asecond member fixed to said casing and disposed adjacent said firstmember in a predetermined angular position of said casing relative tosaid end frame, first coupling means mounted on said second member andnormally engaging said first member to fix said casing to said frame andprevent rotation of said casing, said first coupling means being movableto a position spaced from said first member to free said casing forrotation relative to said frame, a third member fixed to said cylinderand disposed adjacent said second member in a predetermined angularposition of said cylinder relative to said casing, second coupling meansmounted on said third member and normally spaced from said second memberto permit rotation of said cylinder independent of said casing, saidsecond coupling means being movable into engagement with said secondmember to interlock said casing with said cylinder for simultaneousrotation, and means for moving said first coupling means to saidposition spaced" mitting said pinion gear to clear said slot whenrotated V to said spaced position.

ill. The laundry machine of claim it), said second member including arecess, said pinion gear being disposed at least in part in said recess,said second coupling means including a pin movable axially into and outof said recess, and rack gear teeth on said pin engaging said piniongear for rotating said pinion gear in response to axial movement of saidpin within said recess.

12. The laundry machine of claim 11 further comprising actuating meanson said first member for axially moving said pin.

13. The laundry machine of claim 12 further comprising positioning meanscoupled between said frame and said cylinder for positioning saidcylinder in a predetermined angular position relative to said frame, andmeans responsive to said positioning means for disabling said actuatingmeans unless said cylinder is in said predetermined position relative tosaid frame.

14. A laundry machine comprising a pair of end frames, a cylindermounted between said frames for rotation around its central axis, astructural element fixed to said cylinder for rotation therewith anddisposed adjacent one said end frame, a projection carried by saidstructural element, a first positioning means for locating said cylinderwithin a predetermined range of angular positions wherein saidprojection is disposed in a predetermined region, and second positioningmeans mounted on said one end frame and engageable with said projectionin said region for locating said projection at a predeterminedpositionin said region thereby to locate said cylinder in a predeterminedangular position.

15. The laundry machine of claim 14, further comprising control meansfor operating said second positioning meansin response to the presenceof said projection in said region.

16. The laundry machine of claim 14, said first positioning meansincluding a cam mounted on said structural element and a cam operateddevice engageable with said cam in said predetermined region.

1'7. The laundry machine of claim 14, said structural element comprisinga cylinder drive gear.

18. The laundry machine of claim 14, said second positioning meanscomprising a pair of interfacing air cylinders including operatingportions movable to extended and retracted positions, said operatingportions in said extended positions being spaced apart by a distancegenerally equal to the thickness of said projection.

19. The laundry machine of claim 18 further comprising sensing meansoperated by said operating portions for providing an indication whensaid cylinder is located in said predetermined position.

2%. A laundry machine comprising a frame including a pair of end frames,an inner cylinder and an outer casing mounted for rotation about an axisextending be-

1. A laundry machine comprising a frame, an inner cylinder and an outer casing supported for rotation on said frame, a first coupling means mounted on said casing and movable between a first position engaging said frame to hold said casing stationary and a second position wherein said first coupling means is spaced from said frame to permit rotation of said casing, a second coupling means mounted on said cylinder and movable between a first position wherein said second coupling means is spaced from said casing to permit rotation of said cylinder independent of said casing and a second position wherein said second coupling means engages said casing for simultaneous rotation of said casing and cylinder, and means coupled between said first and second coupling means constraining said first and second coupling means for simultaneous movement between their respective first and second positions.
 2. The laundry machine of claim 1 wherein said second coupling means engages said casing before said first coupling means disengages said frame during said simultaneous movement from said first positions to said second positions.
 3. The laundry machine of claim 1, said first coupling means comprising an eccentric latch member mounted for rotational movement, means on said frame defining a slot for receiving a radially extensive segment of said latch member upon rotation of said latch member to said first position, said second coupling means comprising an axially movable pin, and means on said casing defining a recess for receiving said pin upon movement of said pin to said second position.
 4. The laundry machine of claim 3, said latch member being disposed at least in part within said recess in the path of movement of said pin.
 5. The laundry machine of claime 4, said latch member including pinion gear teeth and said pin including rack gear teeth engaging said pinion gear teeth upon movement of said pin into said recess.
 6. The laundry machine of claim 5, detent means on said casing engageable with said latch member for holding said latch member in said first position following movement of said pin to its first position.
 7. The laundry machine of claim 6 further comprising an air cylinder mounted on said casing for moving said pin between its first and second positions.
 8. The laundry machine of claim 7 further comprising sensing means associated with said air cylinder for providing an indication of the positions of said first and second coupling means.
 9. A laundry machine comprising an inner cylinder, an outer casing surrounding said inner cylinder, a pair of end frames supporting both said cylinder and said casing for rotation about a common axis, a drive motor coupled to said cylinder for rotating said cylinder, and a coupling assembly for controlling the rotation of said casing, said coupling assembly including a first member fixed to one end frame, a second member fixed to said casing and disposed adjacent said first member in a predetermined angular position of said casing relative to said end frame, first coupling means mounted on said second member and normally engaging said first member to fix said casing to said frame and prevent rotation of said casing, said first coupling means being movable to a position spaced from said first member to free said casing for rotation relative to said frame, a third member fixed to said cylinder and disposed adjacent said second member in a predetermined angular position of said cylinder relative to said casing, second coupling means mounted on said third member and normally spaced from said second member to permit rotation of said cylinder independent of said casing, said second coupling means being movable into engagement with said second member to interlock said casing with said cylinder for simultaneous rotation, and means for moving said first coupling means to said position spaced from said first member in response to movement of said second coupling means to said position in engagement with said second member.
 10. The laundry machine of claim 9, said first member including a slot having an opening adjacent said second member, and said first coupling means comprising a pinion gear disposed in said slot in the normal position of said first coupling means and having a flat permitting said pinion gear to clear said slot when rotated to said spaced position.
 11. The laundry machine of claim 10, said second member including a recess, said pinion gear being disposed at least in part in said recess, said second coupling means including a pin movable axially into and out of said recess, and rack gear teeth on said pin engaging said pinion gear for rotating said pinion gear in response to axial movement of said pin within said recess.
 12. The laundry machine of claim 11 further comprising actuating means on said first member for axially moving said pin.
 13. The laundry machine of claim 12 further comprising positioning means coupled between said frame and said cylinder for positioning said cylinder in a predetermined angular position relative to said frame, and means responsive to said positioning means for disabling said actuating means unless said cylinder is in said predetermined position relative to said frame.
 14. A laundry machine comprising a pair of end frames, a cylinder mounted between said frames for rotation around its central axis, a structural element fixed to said cylinder for rotation therewith and disposed adjacent one said end frame, a projection carried by said structural element, a first positioning means for locating said cylinder within a predetermined range of angular positions wherein said projection is disposed in a predetermined region, and second positioning means mounted on said one end frame and engageable with said projection in said region for locating said projection at a predetermined position in said region thereby to locate said cylinder in a predetermined angular position.
 15. The laundry machine of claim 14, further comprising contrOl means for operating said second positioning means in response to the presence of said projection in said region.
 16. The laundry machine of claim 14, said first positioning means including a cam mounted on said structural element and a cam operated device engageable with said cam in said predetermined region.
 17. The laundry machine of claim 14, said structural element comprising a cylinder drive gear.
 18. The laundry machine of claim 14, said second positioning means comprising a pair of interfacing air cylinders including operating portions movable to extended and retracted positions, said operating portions in said extended positions being spaced apart by a distance generally equal to the thickness of said projection.
 19. The laundry machine of claim 18 further comprising sensing means operated by said operating portions for providing an indication when said cylinder is located in said predetermined position.
 20. A laundry machine comprising a frame including a pair of end frames, an inner cylinder and an outer casing mounted for rotation about an axis extending between said end frames, coupling means for coupling said casing alternatively to said frame and to said cylinder, positioning means for locating said cylinder in a predetermined angular position relative to said frame, actuator means for operating said coupling means, and means controlled by said positioning means for operating said actuating means only after operation of said positioning means.
 21. The laundry machine of claim 20 further comprising a casing door mounted on said frame movable between a closed position in engagement with said casing and an open position spaced from said casing, and means for operating said positioning means only when said casing door is in the open position.
 22. The laundry machine of claim 21, drive motor means on said frame for rotating said cylinder, first drive control means for operating said drive motor means substantially continuously during a laundry cycle, and means for operating said first drive control means only when said door is closed and said casing is coupled to said frame.
 23. The laundry machine of claim 22, second drive control means for operating said drive motor means intermittently during loading and unloading operations, and means for operating said second drive control means only when said casing door is open.
 24. The laundry machine of claim 23, said last recited means including a manual switch for disabling said second drive control means except during manual contact with said switch.
 25. A laundry machine comprising a frame, an inner cylinder and an outer casing mounted on said frame for rotation around a common horizontal axis, drive motor means mounted on said frame and drivingly coupled to said cylinder, casing door means mounted on said frame and movable to an open position spaced from said casing and to a closed position engaged with said casing in a predetermined position of said casing to close said casing, positioning means engageable with said cylinder for moving said cylinder to a predetermined position, coupling means for coupling said casing alternatively to said frame and to said casing, control means, first switch means operable to place said control means in a run condition for operating said motor means and disabling said positioning and coupling means, means for disabling said control means in the run condition of said control means unless said casing is in said predetermined position and unless said casing is coupled to said frame, and means for holding said door means in said closed position when said control means is in said run condition.
 26. The laundry machine of claim 25, said first switch means being operable to place said control means in a load condition for deenergizing said motor means, and means for opening said door means in response to placing of said control means in said load condition.
 27. The laundry machine of claim 26, second switch means for operating said positioning means, anD means for enabling said second switch means in response to opening of said door means.
 28. The laundry machine of claim 27, said positioning means including circuit means including said second switch for energizing said motor means.
 29. The laundry machine of claim 28, said second switch means comprising a manually operated switch, a switch operating member, and means for closing said switch only during manual contact of said member.
 30. The laundry machine of claim 27, means including third switch means for operating said coupling means, and means for disabling said coupling means until after operation of said positioning means.
 31. The laundry machine of claim 30 further comprising brake means operatively coupled to said motor means, said control means including means for releasing said brake means in the run condition of said control means, and said positioning means including means for releasing said brake means during operation of said positioning means.
 32. The laundry machine of claim 31 further comprising releasable connections between said frame and said casing, and said control means including means for closing said releasable connections only in the run condition of said control means. 